Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1469992
QUICKSPIN I 2023 KTM Four-Stroke Motocrossers P108 worked for this new generation. The engines have been rotated back in the frame two degrees with the countershaft sprocket being lowered by a few millime- ters. This allows the engine to be nearly two inches shorter than the previous generation in hopes of improving centralized mass and eliminating suspen- sion squatting when riders are hard on the gas. A comprehen- sive electronics package is fitted standard with two maps, traction control and quickshift options (all five-speed four-stroke models have quickshift that works from second to fifth gears). We like the clean and simple design of the buttons as they're easy to use and understand. All three bikes continue to ride on WP Xact AER forks and Xact rear shocks. This is the same componentry we've seen for a few years now, but the WP techs informed us that they've had more time to perfect set- tings for the latest bikes. A new hydrostop in the front fork aids in bottoming resistance, which we were pleased with after riding the Factory Editions. Right away the fork felt much more predict- able and less vague, my favorite version of the air fork to date. Both the fork and shock now offer tool-less adjustability, with simple hand dials being fitted on the outside of the respective part. This allows riders to make clicker adjustments on the fly with the turn of the dial. The overall cockpit is thin and racey, just as you'd expect from KTM. The radiator shrouds on all the SX-F's maintain that KTM slimness but have been redesigned with a longer front- to-back shape. So long that they almost touch the front fender when the bars are locked on ei- ther side. But no worries on that as they don't interfere with any- thing and aren't too noticeable while riding. A new seat design and wider footpegs complete the rider triangle. >>450 SX-F Let's talk about power. If you're familiar with the 450 SX-F, you'll recognize it for that long usable powerband. It's become known The KTM 350 SX-F also gets the Factory Edition treatment.